Question

Conduct some research in reliable, scholarly resources and identify a historical event in ancient Indian history, in the biography of a guru, or in more recent history of India that is associated with an Indian myth or that has been mythologized.

Identify the date (or approximate dates) of the specific historical or biographical event and the specific Indian myth associated with it. Or describe how the event has been mythologized.

Explain how you think this event took on mythological meaning or how specific mythic themes or myths are used to explain this event. What specific traits make these stories mythical and not historical? How does the historical or biographical event differ from the myth?

Answer 1

India is a land which is a treasure trove of myths, stories and folklore. There are several myths surrounding demi-gods and historical legends that are profoundly fascinating. However, the interpretation of these myths can be subjective, it depends on how the individual wishes to break down, interpret and perceive it.

One such myth is a popular story that is about Lord Ganesha, the elephant God. It could be predicted to have taken place roughly around 3067 B.C.E. Lord Ganesha is referred to as the remover of obstacles and his power is attributed to his high intellect, presence of mind and wise nature. To this day, people pray to Lord Ganesha to help them deal with the obstacles in life. He is a favorite among children since the stories surrounding his life and experiences are extremely interesting and inspiring.

It so happens that, Lord Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya decide to conduct a race to see who wins. The rules of the race are that one has to take make three rounds of the entire world and whoever comes first, wins. And so the race begins and Kartikeya begins his journey on his peacock and takes three whole trips and comes back, whereas Ganesha simply walks up to his parents and circles around them three times. He then announces to Kartikeya that he has won. Kartikeya is confused and asks Ganesha how is it possible when the rule was to take a trip of the world thrice, to which Ganesha says that Kartikeya decided to take three rounds around the the "whole" world whereas Ganesha took three rounds with his parents in between because he considered them "his" world.

This story has been popularised into a myth saying one should always value their parents so much that they should be equal to one's universe in life. But when we try to break it down and understand, there is a whole lot deeper meaning attached to it. Ganesha may be talking about two different perspectives that is common when there are two different people involved in the participation. There can never be two same idealogies and two same mindsets when two different individuals are involved. Therefore, he explains the distinction between "my world" and "your world". The perception of the world can be totally different for different people.

Ganesha's logic can also be interpreted as a smart use of wit at the right place and right time. The extravagant nature of this myth that includes taking a round of the world, distinguishes it from a historical event.